Articularis Genus

General information

The articularis genus is a highly variable muscle bundle made up of multiple layers, in the distal thigh and knee.

Literal meaning

The muscle of the knee joint.

Interesting information

The function of this muscle is not well known or understood, and its relationship to the vastus intermedius and vastus medialis is complex and also not well understood.

The articularis genus is made up of between 3 and 6 muscle bundles, as this varies, although this may be due to the lack of consensus of the articularis genus muscle definitions. There are superficial, intermediate, and deep layers of these bundles and each layer is located over the suprapatellar bursa.

Origin

The anterior surface of the distal aspect of the femur.

Insertion

The proximal and posterior walls of the suprapatellar bursa and the synovial membrane of the medial and lateral aspects of the knee joint capsule.

Function

Suggested functions:

Coordinates the movement of the suprapatellar bursa during flexion and extension

Proprioceptive function

Retracts the suprapatellar bursa during knee extension

Prevents entrapment of the bursa between the patella and the femur

Elevates the capsule and the synovial membrane of the knee joint and stopping them from being pinched during leg extension.

Nerve supply

Medial deep division of the femoral nerve.

Blood supply

Lateral femoral circumflex artery.

Relevant research

Research shows that the articularis genus muscles may not be able to generate enough force to lift the suprapatellar bursa during knee extension as well as that it likely never acts independently. Therefore, there is a complex interaction between the articularis genus, vastus medialis, and vastus intermedius.

Grob, K., Gilbey, H., Manestar, M., Ackland, T., & Kuster, M. S. (2017). The Anatomy of the Articularis Genus Muscle and Its Relation to the Extensor Apparatus of the Knee. JB & JS open access, 2(4), e0034

Articularis genus exercises

None specific.